Skin elasticity may begin to decline during the aging process. Though this may come with the territory, it may be due in part to a lower intake or absorption of certain vitamins and minerals that are important for the skin. Many fruits and vegetables contain these important nutrients for skin elasticity, along with seafood and certain meats. Consult with a dermatologist who understands the role of nutrition in skin health, and who also may offer other choices to improve skin elasticity.
Biotin
The B vitamin biotin is one vitamin that may be helpful in regaining skin elasticity. This vitamin, according to registered dietitian Victoria Shanta Retelny in her book, "The Essential Guide to Healthy Healing Foods," is a natural component of the skin, along with hair and nails. Dryness and less elasticity may be signs that you are low in this vitamin. Besides taking biotin in supplement form, it is also available in eggs, bananas, oats and rice.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also necessary for the health of the skin, and may improve elasticity. This is because vitamin A helps to maintain health and repair of the skin, according to Retelny. It may also be helpful in repairing fine lines and wrinkles on the face. It is safer to obtain adequate amounts of vitamin A from food instead of in supplemental form, because vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which can cause liver damage if overconsumed. Foods high in vitamin A include fish, liver, sweet potatoes and carrots.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that may help with improving skin elasticity. This comes from its antioxidant properties, notes health coach Victoria Moran in her book, "Younger by the Day: 365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body and Revitalize Your Spirit." It also is a component in the body's production of the enzyme glutathione, which is known to counter free radicals. Selenium protects against sun damage, which also plays a role in losing skin elasticity. Selenium is high in such foods as Brazil nuts, shellfish, sunflower seeds and wheat bran.
Vitamin C
The antioxidant vitamin C may also help with improving the skin's elasticity. Dr. Ava Shamban explains that vitamin C deficiencies contribute to dry skin, easy bruising and reduced elasticity in her book, "Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal." Similar to selenium, vitamin C also helps the skin by fighting free radicals. Fruits and vegetables such as kiwi, oranges, bell peppers and grapefruit are high in this vitamin. Many topical skin products also have vitamin C in them, adds Shamban.
References
- "The Essential Guide to Healthy Healing Foods"; Victoria Shanta Retelny, RD; 2011
- "Younger by the Day: 365 Ways to Rejuvenate Your Body and Revitalize Your Spirit"; Victoria Moran; 2005
- "Heal Your Skin: The Breakthrough Plan for Renewal"; Ava Shamban, MD; 2011
Member Comments